Crying has its perks
Researchers found that tears help to relieve emotions, leading to an improvement in mood, even if it takes time for the feelings to recover
Motivation
Articles tagged with Motivation
Leave the family behind: Solo travelers are not who you think
A QUT study found that solo travelers prioritize freedom, meeting new people, and self-discovery over having a companion. Despite challenges like extra costs and safety concerns, the positives outweigh the negatives, making solo travel an increasingly popular option.
Paying off small debts first may get you in the black quicker
A new study from the American Marketing Association suggests that paying off small debts first can provide a significant motivation boost, leading to faster completion of even the most burdensome tasks. By focusing on smaller victories, individuals may be able to overcome procrastination and tackle larger goals with renewed energy.
Positive reinforcement plays key role in cognitive task performance in ADHD kids
A recent study suggests that positive reinforcement drives improved performance in children with ADHD on certain cognitive tasks. The research, conducted by University at Buffalo researchers, reveals that motivation, not lower-than-average cognitive abilities, plays a crucial role in the diagnosis.
Women's sexual risk-taking focus of new study
A new survey of over 850 US women found that relaxing beach vacations are perfect for sexual experimentation with a steady partner, while group tours and sightseeing trips are ideal for casual sex with acquaintances or strangers. Women tend to underestimate risks in non-penetrative activities and overestimate condom protection.
Doing good deeds helps socially anxious people relax
A study published in Motivation and Emotion found that performing acts of kindness can help socially anxious individuals reduce their desire to avoid social situations. This intervention showed a greater reduction in patients' avoidance goals compared to those only exposed to social interactions without engaging in good deeds.
Friendships start better with a smile
A study led by Belinda Campos found that people are highly attuned to others' positive emotions and can form new social bonds based on these displays. Awareness of others' positive emotions can provide important relationship information, helping individuals feel secure in their relationships and resolve conflicts.
Narrow misses can propel us toward other rewards and goals
Researchers discovered that near wins, such as coming close to winning a game or scratch-off lottery ticket, can intensify motivational energy and lead individuals to pursue unrelated goals. This 'near win' effect is thought to extend motivation beyond the original goal, resulting in faster completion of tasks.
Subsidies key in improving sanitation, new study finds
A new study released in Science found that subsidies are essential for increasing the use of hygienic latrines in developing countries. The community-motivation model alone was ineffective, but combining it with subsidies expanded latrine coverage substantially, particularly among poor households.
Don't blame kids if they do not enjoy school, study suggests
A study of over 13,000 twins found that genetic inheritance can explain 40-50% of the differences in children's motivation to learn. The results suggest that personality differences inherited from parents have a major impact on motivation, challenging the idea that environment is solely responsible.
WSU study finds cigarette warning labels may be more effective with imagery
A WSU study found that young adults learn more about the dangers of smoking when warnings are presented in images and text, leading to increased worry and discouragement from smoking. The labels used in the study emphasized negative consequences associated with lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
How does fertility affect women's desire for variety in products?
A new study reveals that women are more open to trying new products and services when they are ovulating. This increased desire for variety is not due to conscious decision-making but rather a natural response driven by their reproductive cycle.
Chance as a motivator? Uncertainty can make people work harder
A study by Luxi Shen and colleagues found that uncertainty motivates people to put in more effort to obtain uncertain rewards. In experiments, consumers completed tasks for lower potential rewards when the outcome was uncertain, highlighting the motivating-uncertainty effect.
Workplace negativity can hurt productivity
Employees who point out problems may become mentally fatigued, defensive, and experience a drop-off in production. Suggesting ideas for improvement can have a positive effect, but finding a balance between constructive feedback and positivity is key.
Does illness make people lonely?
A Concordia University study found that chronic illness is often accompanied by feelings of loneliness, even in people with long-term partners. The research suggests that self-protective strategies can reduce stress and prevent feelings of loneliness.
Feeling cold is contagious, scientists find
Research at University of Sussex finds humans are susceptible to 'temperature contagion', experiencing a drop in body temperature when watching someone else shiver. This phenomenon may aid empathy and cooperation in complex communities.
Public servants are individually motivated to help environment
A new study by the University of Georgia found that public servants are motivated to contribute to environmental causes through discretionary eco-friendly initiatives. The researchers identified three key drivers of these behaviors: public service motivation, organizational commitment, and environmental connectedness.
Trouble with your boss? Own it
A recent study by Michigan State University found that employee motivation increases when workers and their supervisors share similar views on the quality of their relationship, even if the relationship is poor. This discovery suggests that being honest about one's feelings can lead to better work engagement and performance.
Weight and eating habits in Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's patients experience changes in body weight due to non-motor disorders, worsening their quality of life. Research highlights the role of depression, cognitive impairment, sensory disturbances, and motivation towards food consumption in altering eating habits.
Sadness lasts longer than other emotions
A study found that sadness lasts up to 240 times longer than shame, surprise, or boredom, likely due to its association with significant life events. Researchers discovered that emotions associated with low event importance have shorter durations.
Perceived hatred fuels conflicts between Democrats and Republicans, Israelis and Palestinians
A new study reveals that asymmetric perceptions of opponents' motivations drive historic conflicts, but financial incentives can alleviate these tensions. The research found that providing accurate motivation assessments can lead to increased empathy and optimism for conflict resolution.
The sex difference in distance running has disappeared for participation but not for competitiveness
Despite a decrease in participation differences between men and women, research shows that the sex difference in competitiveness remains intact, with men more likely to be competitive in track meets. Women are now equally represented at road races, but their competitive orientation still lags behind that of men.
Curiosity helps learning and memory
Researchers found that curiosity helps learn about a topic and memorize unrelated information, with increased activity in brain regions involved in reward and memory. Curiosity also enhances learning in the classroom and workplace.
Enjoying the possibility of defeat
A study by Sami Abuhamdeh and colleagues found that players' enjoyment of games is linked to suspense and uncertainty, not just winning. Participants preferred playing games with close margins over those with predictable outcomes. This suggests that games with unpredictable outcomes can be more engaging and enjoyable for some players.
Difficulty assessing effort drives motivation deficits in schizophrenia, study finds
Research from San Francisco State University finds that individuals with schizophrenia struggle to set high-effort goals due to difficulty assessing effort required. Breaking down tasks into smaller ones with small rewards can help patients function normally and counter motivation deficits.
Playing hunger games: Are gamified health apps putting odds in your favor?
A new study by Brigham Young University researchers suggests that gamification in health and fitness apps may not lead to sustainable behavior change. The study analyzed over 2,000 apps and found that most popular apps feature gamification as a key motivator, but this approach may be limited and demotivating in the long run.
Drexel study: Enhanced communication key to successful teamwork in dynamic environments
Researchers found that information elaboration discussions are crucial for cross-functional teams to succeed, particularly in dynamic environments. Teams with members who can exchange relevant information and ideas, seek clarification, and integrate feedback tend to perform better.
Nurses driven mainly by a desire to help others are more likely to burn out
Researchers at the University of Akron discovered that nurses motivated primarily by personal satisfaction, lifestyle, and patient interaction experience lower stress levels, improved health, and increased job commitment. In contrast, those driven mainly by a desire to help others are more susceptible to burnout.
Boomers building muscle at the gym -- without passion
A study by Concordia University found that baby boomers' primary motivator for exercise is 'toned and fit,' followed by stress reduction. However, motivation declines with age, particularly in 'mental toughness' and 'fun and friends' categories.
New research shows lack of motivation affects cognitive performance in schizophrenia
New study reveals a significant relationship between motivational deficit and poor cognitive performance in people with schizophrenia. Lower levels of motivation are associated with greater cognitive impairment, suggesting that understanding the impact of motivational impairment is crucial for improving treatments.
Harnessing a personal rivalry can boost an individual's athletic performance
Researchers found that runners who had rivals in local races ran faster and trained harder, motivated by the desire to outperform their rivals. The study identified factors like similarity, repeated competition, and closely-decided contests as key characteristics of rivalries.
Humanitarian liking on Facebook
Research finds six different liking practices associated with humanitarian causes, including socially responsible, emotional, and informational liking. Users believe likes support humanitarian causes and encourage others to do so, highlighting the role of Facebook in civic engagement.
Angry faces back up verbal threats, making them seem more credible
A study found that angry facial expressions lend weight to negotiators' threats, leading the other party to offer more money. The findings have broad relevance to all kinds of negotiations and highlight the importance of emotions in bargaining situations.
Hedonistic motives may drive people to drink alcohol + energy drinks
A new Australian study reveals that individuals who consume energy drinks with alcohol are more likely to experience negative outcomes such as aggression, violence, and injury. Hedonistic motives related to pleasure and sensation are highly implicated in A+ED consumption.
Strong institutions reduce in-group favoritism
A forthcoming study suggests that strong social and political institutions can reduce favoritism towards one's own group, making people more likely to follow impartial rules. Ineffective institutions, on the other hand, lead to favoritism towards local communities.
Brain changes are associated with casual marijuana use in young adults
Research finds brain differences in young adults who smoke marijuana at least once a week, including altered reward processing regions and shape/density changes. Casual marijuana use may lead to previously unidentified brain changes, highlighting the importance of studying long-term effects.
Genetic pre-disposition toward exercise and mental development may be linked
A study found that active rats showed higher levels of brain development than lazy rats, suggesting a link between genetic predisposition for exercise motivation and mental maturation. The research suggests that exercising at a young age could help develop neural pathways for motivation.
When managers attack: Coaches who care about pundits' opinions worse at controlling anger
A study by University of Leeds academics found that coaches who focus less on others' opinions and more on their own high standards are better at regulating their emotions. They showed more ability to reappraise negative feelings and see situations in a more constructive manner.
Smokers lack motivation, feel more tired and are less active than non-smokers
Researchers found smokers are less physically active, lack motivation, and more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. Smokers also reported feeling tired and had poorer lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life.
Murderers who killed during robberies more likely to return to crime when paroled
A study by North Carolina State University and Harvard University found that murderers who committed homicide during robberies are more likely to commit crimes again when paroled. The motivation for murder was a significant predictor of recidivism rates.
Athletes' performance declines following contract years, MU researchers show
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that professional athletes in NBA and MLB experience a decline in performance after signing new contracts, dubbed 'contract year syndrome'. This decline is attributed to a post-contract slump that can last two years.
Measuring up
Researchers found that tree sparrows can identify parasitic eggs by color and shape, ejecting 81% of non-native objects. The birds' ability to recognize foreign eggs is linked to motivation and nest sanitation, with some species being more careful during incubation.
Living through war leads to in-group solidarity
Research suggests that living through war leads to increased solidarity among members of one's own group, shifting motivations toward greater equality. This effect is most pronounced when the war experience occurs during middle childhood and adolescence, leaving a lasting impact on psychology.
Wari, predecessors of the Inca, used restraint to reshape human landscape
A Dartmouth study sheds new light on the Wari civilization's expansion, suggesting they focused on colonization practices rather than centralized control. The researchers found that Wari power was limited to specific regions and did not emanate continuously outward from a key administrative center.
Willpower alone is not enough
Researchers found that unconscious motivation can influence willpower, with strong power and achievement motivations leading to better performance. The study suggests increasing internal motivation through targeted incentives can help employees overcome challenges with less energy.
Moderate exercising encourages a healthier lifestyle
Researchers found that 30 minutes of daily exercise is just as beneficial as an hour-long workout in improving energy levels and motivation for a healthy lifestyle. The study suggests that moderate exercise can significantly impact daily practices and overcome cultural barriers to change.
Why does a fancy purse say 'stay away from my man'?
Researchers found that women's desire for luxury goods is linked to their motivation to guard relationships. Women perceive luxury products as signals of a partner's devotion and are less likely to pursue men who wear similar items. This phenomenon, known as 'mate guarding,' highlights the role of luxury consumption in relationships.
Research suggests perfectionism and work motivation contribute to workaholism
Research from University of Kent suggests perfectionism and high work motivation contribute to workaholism. Self-oriented perfectionists tend to exhibit higher levels of workaholism due to internal drivers such as self-control and rewards.
Engaging in a brief cultural activity can reduce implicit prejudice
A brief cultural activity can reduce implicit prejudice immediately and up to six months later by sparking interest in another culture. This effect is seen even when participants feel they have freely chosen the topic of the group activity, suggesting that intergroup interactions can have lasting benefits.
Ironic outcomes: Being specific, not flexible, helps consumers achieve their goals
A new study published in Journal of Consumer Research found that making specific plans to implement a goal can increase the likelihood of success. In contrast, relatively rigid structures can simplify goal pursuit by eliminating demanding choices and make it easier to achieve goals.
Characteristics of family killers revealed by first taxonomy study
A study analyzing three decades of British 'family annihilator' cases reveals four new types of male-dominated family killers, each with unique characteristics and motivations. The study found that August was the most common month for killings to take place, and stabbings were the most common murder method.
MIT researchers reveal how the brain keeps eyes on the prize
A new study from MIT suggests that dopamine signaling plays a crucial role in maintaining focus on long-term goals. The research reveals that the level of dopamine increases steadily throughout each trial, peaking as the animal approaches its goal, reflecting its distance from the reward.
Preventing the 'Freshman 15' via the Web
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that Project WebHealth, a web-based health promotion intervention, successfully motivated college students to improve their weight-related health behaviors. The level of motivation differed by gender, with women being generally more motivated than men.
Twitter predicted to become a big TV screen
A new study by Columbia Business School and University of Pittsburgh professors predicts Twitter's user engagement will slow down, shifting from a social network to a content-delivery platform. Everyday users are expected to stop posting as much, while celebrities and commercial users will continue to post for financial gain.
University of Hawaii Cancer Center researchers report
Researchers found that approximately 13% of smokers used e-cigarettes as a means of quitting, with younger smokers more likely to use them. E-cigarette users were also found to be more motivated to quit smoking compared to those who tried other cessation aids.
Research finds people with depression tend to pursue generalized goals
Research at the University of Liverpool found that individuals with depression tend to set broad, abstract personal goals, making it harder to visualize and achieve them. This can create a downward cycle of negative thoughts, further exacerbating depression.
Egg donation in European clinics: Why do women do it?
A study of 1423 egg donors across 11 European countries found that altruism is the primary motivation, but financial compensation plays a significant role in some countries. The majority of donors are young women who expect personal benefits, and their age affects their motivations.
Motivations for gambling, sexual motivation and satisfaction, and impulsive shoppers
New studies examine how people react to terrorist threats, gamble for money vs suspense, and the link between sex motivation and satisfaction. Additionally, research challenges traditional birth order theories and reveals attentional biases in shopping situations.
First major study of suicide motivations to advance prevention
A University of British Columbia study sheds light on why people attempt suicide, providing a new tool to advance suicide prevention and improve treatments. The Inventory of Motivations for Suicide Attempts (IMSA) is the most accurate and first scientifically tested measure for evaluating a person's motivations for suicide.
Task master: Categorizing rewards improves motivation
A recent study by USC Marshall School of Business professor Scott S. Wiltermuth found that segmenting rewards into arbitrary categories increases motivation. Participants worked longer on tasks when rewards were separated into categories, as they felt they would miss out on potential benefits if they didn